“Part of my preparation was to play through a hurricane at St Annes Old Links last October,” Bate says. “I’ve stood here looking over the clubhouse to the east and waiting for the sun to come up. I’d hit a 7-iron, somehow find it and then the light would come and I’d be away.
“I’ve had three sets of multiple blisters, numerous calluses and the usual niggles. When the weather turns it’s always on the 7th, the furthest from the clubhouse, and you might be the only person out there, but this challenge is much bigger than me.”
The reason behind all this stems from a life-changing moment in 2018 when his 12-year-old son, Seb, came home from school and explained he was feeling suicidal. There were signs, but nothing on this scale and Bate and his wife, Natasha, were put in touch with the Oakdale Centre in Harrogate through their son’s school.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
The Impossible Prediction
The story of an old-time golfing maverick and the scoring feat that almost defies belief
A Path Less Travelled
We head to Ireland to discover some of the less-visited layouts in this country’s rich treasure trove of fabulous golf courses
“If I'm not winning it drives me nuts”
Elliott Heath meets American John Catlin, a man who’s come from seemingly nowhere to be a two-time champion on the European Tour...
KEEPING HIS FEET ON THE GROUND
Aaron Rai is now a Rolex Series champion and two-time European Tour winner, but don’t expect him to lose his humility
Is Peter Alliss the greatest golf commentator ever?
Peter Alliss, who sadly passed away in December at the age of 89, was the voice of golf for more than half a century
A Greek Odyssey
Roderick Easdale heads to the idyllic Costa Navarino to sample the destination’s impressive golf and lifestyle offering
I STILL FEEL LIKE THE BEST IS IN ME
Justin Rose reflects on an illustrious career and reveals why he’s still motivated to achieve more
10 things tour pros are talking about
We asked a group of European Tour players, from rookies to winners, what’s currently on their minds
10 Best Tips David Law
Tee-to-green tips from the Scot, who won in only the fifth start of his rookie European Tour season. Just don’t ask him about reading greens…
24 Hours To Save Your Game
From beating your handicap one day to losing countless balls the next, the difference between golfing success and failure can seem miniscule.
'I'm A Hot Mess!'
IN A REVEALING INTERVIEW, JENNIFER ANISTON ADMITS THAT SHE’S READY TO TURN HER BACK ON HOLLYWOOD.
I AM LEGEND
THIS ST205 CELICA PROVED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT RACE CARS AUSTRALIA HAS EVER SEEN. AND NOW WE’RE GOING TO DRIVE IT
BATEMAN FUMES AT VOID CALL
STEVE Bateman admits leaving Berkhamsted ‘pulled on the heartstrings’ – and has hit out at the decision to null and void the season.
BATED BREATH
Brit star is left to wait in fear
Make Or Break: The First 100 Days
Getting a fast start is essential for a new CEO, although it can be a tricky path to navigate. Jessica Mudditt asks leaders to share their winning strategies.
Curtis Stone
The chef on Australian motels, packing light and his travel bucket list.
All Grown Up
It seems like just yesterday when we saw the likes of Miley Cyrus, brie larson and more on the small screen, but these teen stars have since blossomed into their own.
Bates' Keeping Up Appearances For The Modern-Day Gloveman
Jeremy Blackmore catches up with former Hampshire player Michael Bates who, in retirement, has written a book examining the role of specialist keepers.
Birdman y la inesperada virtud del sonido
Antonio Sánchez lo sabe muy bien. Es un baterista, digamos, nato. Su desempeño en el instrumento se percibe fluido, pero sin descuidar los matices: sabe en qué momento liberar el manotazo violento y cuándo tratar a la tarola con la delicadeza de un manipulador de uranio.